Inter Milan vice-president Javier Zanetti admits he rejected Europe’s biggest clubs to stay with the Nerazzuri as a player.
Zanetti, speaking to Tuttosport, recalled the offers he received while captain of Inter.
He said, “Was the one with Real Madrid, in 2001, a fling? I had spoken to (Jorge) Valdano, their coach: he wanted me in Madrid. It was almost all done but I decided to stay and I told (Inter president Massimo) Moratti.
“Manchester United and Barcelona also tempted me. I don’t remember if it was 2001 or 2002: I was with Paula, my wife, and I found (Sir Alex) Ferguson at an airport: he said hello to me, he asked me when my contract was up but I was happy in Milan, despite the fact that they were very complicated years for Inter.
“Elsewhere I would have had an important career, but I wouldn’t have found myself like Inter.
“I launched (Barcelona great Carles) Puyol… He always tells me. He was in the youth team and had also started making some appearances in the first team. One day (Louis) Van Gaal called him and said: ‘I want to get the strongest right back in the world that is Zanetti: if we don’t take him, I’ll keep you with me”. And Carles thanks me every time he sees me…”
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